How To Clean Your Air Fryer Basket

Air fryers are a convenient and healthy alternative to deep frying, but they can be a hassle to clean. The baskets often get coated in grease and grime, and the small holes can get plugged with food crusts. While some manufacturers recommend hand-washing the basket after each use, others claim that their air fryer parts are dishwasher-safe. There are also various home remedies for cleaning an air fryer basket, such as using a mixture of vinegar and baking soda, or a paste made from baking soda and lemon.

Air Fryer Basket Cleaning Methods

How to hand-wash an air fryer basket

Air fryer baskets can be tricky to clean because of their small holes, which often get plugged with food crusts. However, it is important to clean your air fryer basket after each use to prevent a greasy buildup. Here is a step-by-step guide to hand-washing your air fryer basket:

Step 1: Remove Loose Food Particles

First, remove as many loose bits of food from the basket as possible. You can do this by knocking out or shaking the basket to dislodge any crumbs and oil. You can also use a soft, damp cloth to wipe down the basket and remove any remaining residue. Be sure to use a mild soap and water solution to dampen the cloth, and avoid any harsh, abrasive cleaners or sharp objects.

Step 2: Soak the Basket

Fill the basket with warm, soapy water and let it soak for 30 minutes to an hour. This will help to loosen any tough, caked-on residue and make it easier to scrub away. For extremely dirty baskets, you can also try using a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. Apply this paste to the dirty areas, let it sit for a few minutes, and then scrub and rinse.

Step 3: Scrub the Basket

After soaking, use a soft sponge or cloth to gently scrub the basket and remove any remaining buildup. Be sure to use the non-abrasive side of the sponge to avoid damaging the coating of the basket. For hard-to-reach areas, a soft-bristled toothbrush can be helpful.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry

Once the basket is clean, thoroughly rinse it with water to remove any residual soap. Then, dry the basket with a clean towel and let it air dry completely before putting it back into storage.

Additional Tips:

• To clean the inside of your air fryer, knock out any crumbs and wipe up any visible oil. Then, gently wipe out the interior, including the coil, with a towel and warm water.
• To remove odours, add a splash of vinegar to your cleaning routine. Vinegar is a naturally antibacterial liquid that helps to deodorize and disinfect while removing grit.
• Always consult your manufacturer's cleaning instructions before cleaning your air fryer basket.

Using a dishwasher to clean an air fryer basket

While it is possible to clean an air fryer basket in a dishwasher, it is not recommended. The high water temperatures, high pressure, and tough cleaning agents in dishwashers can damage the non-stick coating on the basket, which in turn can reduce the basket's lifespan.

If you do decide to use a dishwasher, it is recommended to put the basket on the top shelf, so it is further away from the heating element. It is also important to check the manufacturer's instructions, as some air fryer baskets are not dishwasher-safe.

Alternative cleaning methods

It is generally advised to hand wash an air fryer basket. This can be done by letting the basket cool, then using warm, soapy water and a soft sponge or cloth to clean it. A soft-bristled brush can also be used for tough debris. For tough odours, a citrus scent from fresh fruits can be added to the cleaning solution.

It is important to avoid using harsh, abrasive cleaners or sharp objects, such as knives or hard brushes, when cleaning an air fryer basket.

Removing stuck-on food from an air fryer basket

Soaking and Handwashing

Firstly, it is important to unplug the air fryer and let it cool down before attempting to clean it. Then, remove any grates or baskets. Soak the basket in warm soapy water for at least 10 minutes to help loosen the stuck-on food particles. You can also fill the basket with warm water, add a few drops of dish soap, and turn on the air fryer for about 2 minutes. After soaking, scrub the basket gently with a soft-bristled brush, a non-abrasive sponge, or the soft side of a sponge. Rinse the basket thoroughly to remove any residue and soap, and then let it air dry.

Baking Soda and Lemon Paste

Create a paste by mixing two tablespoons of baking soda with the juice of half a lemon and a teaspoon of hot water. Apply the paste directly to the air fryer basket and scrub lightly with a soft toothbrush or a sponge. This method effectively removes stuck-on food and grease while leaving a pleasant lemon scent.

Vinegar and Lemon Juice Steam

For this method, combine 1/4 cup of white vinegar with the juice of half a lemon in an oven-safe ceramic ramekin. Place the ramekin inside the air fryer and set it to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes. After heating, let the air fryer sit closed for about 30 minutes to allow the steam to loosen the grease and stuck-on food. While this method may not be as effective at removing stuck-on food, it is excellent for eliminating odours from cooking pungent foods.

Dawn Powerwash, Baking Soda, and Hydrogen Peroxide

Create a paste by mixing two tablespoons of baking soda, two tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide, and a few sprays of Dawn Powerwash directly in the air fryer basket. Gently scrub the basket with a soft toothbrush for about 2 minutes, and then rinse it off with water using the non-abrasive side of a sponge. This method effectively removes stuck-on food, grease, and odours, leaving your air fryer basket clean and ready for use.

Vinegar, Baking Soda, and Lemon Water

Coat the air fryer basket generously with a standard dish soap detergent with high degreasing properties, such as Dawn. Then, dust the soap-covered basket with baking soda. Use an old toothbrush or a soft-bristled brush to agitate the soap and baking soda paste, ensuring you get into any crevices. Next, lock the fryer basket back into the air fryer pan and add more baking soda. Pour about 3/4 cup of vinegar into the pan, and you will see the baking soda start to bubble. Boil some water with a cut lemon in a tea kettle, and then add this lemon water to the vinegar and baking soda mixture in the pan. Let this concoction sit overnight. The next day, remove the basket and use the solution, along with running hot water and a soft dish sponge, to clean off any remaining grease.

It is important to note that you should not use harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaning tools, or aggressive methods that can compromise the integrity of the non-stick coating on your air fryer basket. Always refer to your manufacturer's instructions for specific cleaning guidelines for your air fryer model.

Cleaning an air fryer basket with natural antibacterial products

Air fryer baskets should be cleaned after each use to prevent a build-up of food particles and oils, which can contaminate your next recipe and potentially cause a fire. While some air fryer parts are dishwasher-safe, handwashing is often recommended to properly care for your air fryer.

White Vinegar

White vinegar is a powerful, natural cleaner that can cut through grease and remove stains, odours, mildew, and wax build-up. Its high acidity reduces surface bacteria, making it a safe alternative to bleach. To use, simply fill your air fryer basket with warm water, add a few splashes of white vinegar, and let it soak for 30 minutes to an hour. Then, gently scrub the basket with a soft sponge or cloth until all the build-ups are removed. Finally, rinse the basket with water and let it air dry.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is a gentle yet effective natural cleaner that can be used to remove grease and stains. Create a paste by mixing baking soda with a little water, and then apply the paste to your air fryer basket, scrubbing gently with a soft sponge or cloth. Rinse the basket with warm water and dry it with a clean towel.

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is an excellent natural disinfectant and stain remover, particularly for alkaline stains like soap scum. Squeeze some fresh lemon juice into a bowl of warm water and soak your air fryer basket in the solution for about 30 minutes. Then, scrub the basket gently with a soft sponge or cloth, rinse with warm water, and dry it with a clean towel.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is an effective antiseptic and antibacterial agent that can be used to kill bacteria and remove stains. Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and warm water, and use a soft cloth to wipe down your air fryer basket. Be sure to rinse the basket thoroughly with water afterwards, as hydrogen peroxide can bleach colours and etch stone surfaces.

Vodka

Vodka is a natural disinfectant that can be used to remove mould and mildew. Its high alcohol content makes it effective at degreasing, removing stains, and shining surfaces. Pour some vodka into a spray bottle and spritz your air fryer basket generously. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the alcohol to work, and then wipe the basket with a clean, soft cloth.

Essential Oils

Essential oils like tea tree, citronella, geranium, lemongrass, orange, and patchouli have antibacterial and antifungal properties. Add a few drops of your chosen essential oil to a bowl of warm water and soak a soft cloth in the solution. Use the cloth to wipe down your air fryer basket, rinsing it thoroughly with water afterwards.

Remember to always consult your air fryer's manufacturer instructions for specific cleaning guidelines, and avoid using harsh, abrasive cleaners or sharp objects when cleaning your air fryer basket.

How often to clean an air fryer basket

Air fryers are fantastic kitchen appliances that can cook delicious meals with minimal oil. However, due to the nature of the foods often cooked in them, air fryers require regular cleaning and maintenance.

It is recommended to clean your air fryer basket after each use. This is because grease and oil can build up in the machine over time, which can affect its performance and efficiency. If you don't clean your air fryer regularly, you may also end up with an intense cleaning job to remove stubborn, baked-on grease and grime.

However, it is understandable that cleaning your air fryer after every single use may not always be feasible, especially if you lead a busy life. In such cases, you can opt for a quick clean by wiping down the basket with a wet or dry paper towel, washcloth, or sponge. You can also place the basket in the dishwasher for a hands-off approach.

Additionally, it is important to wipe down the inside of the air fryer, with the basket removed, at least every 5 uses. This helps prevent crumbs and loose particles from reaching the heating element and causing issues.

For a deeper clean, you can soak your air fryer basket in warm, soapy water for 10-15 minutes, and then scrub with a non-abrasive brush or sponge. You can also create a paste with baking soda and water to tackle stubborn residue. Remember to always unplug your air fryer and let it cool down before cleaning.

By regularly cleaning your air fryer basket and following the manufacturer's instructions, you can ensure the longevity of your appliance and enjoy delicious, low-calorie meals for years to come.

Frequently asked questions